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mHUB Innovation Center

© Gensler

Project Overview

mHUB Innovation Center, Chicago, Illinois

mHUB, an innovation center and co-working space for HardTech startups, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and industry leaders recently renovated 80,000 square feet at their new headquarters facility at 240 N. Ashland in Chicago, IL. 

The location of the innovation center and manufactured products facility in the Fulton Market neighborhood adds an extra layer of appeal and significance to the project. Being situated in a 100-year-old building further adds to the charm and character of the space, providing a unique backdrop for innovation and collaboration.

Syska’s involvement in providing the full design of the MEP/FP, Structured Cabling, and Audio-Visual systems contributes to the modern and functional space. The inclusion of various lab and shop spaces such as Prototype labs, Product Display Rooms, a Wood Shop, Wet Labs, General Shop areas, and a Paint Room showcases the versatility of the facility. The reception area and office spaces are designated for training, teaming, meeting, and conferencing, and are essential for fostering collaboration and productivity among occupants. 

Syska collaborated with the design team to not only deliver a functional lab space, but also achieve a high level of aesthetics that was crucial for the facility. The lab spaces featured open floor plans and demanded easy access to electrical connectivity, leading to the installation of surface mounted raceway across most of the ceilings. However, this proved challenging due to the presence of duct work and heavy exposed beams from the over 100 year old building. In addition, many labs required specialty exhaust and make up air systems, which presented difficulties in coordinating access to the roof due to the limited floor penetrations or chases available.

The new lab spaces boast of intricate systems that demand full coordination. For instance, a paint booth was set up in the shop area, while a dust collector was installed in the wood shop area. Both systems required specialty exhaust that discharged directly to the exterior and special classified electrical equipment.

As mHUB’s partners require maximum flexibility, Syska had to future-proof many of the systems and allow for enhancement or expansion in the future. To achieve this, a separate disconnect switch in the main service was left as spare to allow for the installation of a future isolation system if required by a future tenant.

Size
80,000 sf

Completion Date
2023

Architect
IA Interior Architects

Awards

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Fire Protection

Sustainability

Sustainability

Vertical Transportation

Vertical Transportation

Architectural Lighting

Architectural Lighting

Fire & Life Safety

Fire & Life Safety

Commissioning

Commissioning

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ICT

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mHUB Innovation Center

mHUB Innovation Center